In a bold and historic move, Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited has appointed Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025—making her the first woman to occupy the top seat in the company’s 26-year journey.
The landmark announcement, contained in a statement released by the company’s management on Sunday, marks a defining chapter in the evolution of one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous energy players and signals a renewed commitment to strong governance, transformational leadership, and a more inclusive future for the oil and gas sector.
A consummate energy executive with over three decades of experience across the value chain, Olaniyan brings to the role a blend of operational depth, strategic insight, and a track record of results. Until her appointment, she served as General Manager, Safety and Environment at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., where she led sweeping reforms that boosted operational efficiency and elevated environmental performance—an achievement widely recognized across the industry.
Midwestern, while announcing the appointment, noted that Olaniyan’s emergence aligns with its broader governance refresh, which includes the reconstitution of its Board of Directors with more Independent Non-Executive Directors and the strengthening of its Executive Leadership Team.
“Midwestern is implementing governance and leadership reforms to enhance oversight, strengthen operational excellence, and deepen talent development,” the company said.
“We are also expanding local content initiatives through partnerships and programmes aligned with national energy priorities.”
For Olaniyan, the appointment is both an honour and a responsibility at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s energy transition.
“I am honoured to lead Midwestern at such a critical time,” she said. “Our focus will be on operational discipline, transparency, and sustainable growth to create value for our stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy future.”
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, described the appointment as a defining step in the company’s continued evolution.
“Elozino represents a new generation of sector leaders—technically grounded, forward-thinking, and committed to sustainability,” he said. “We are confident in her ability to steer Midwestern into its next phase of growth under an enhanced governance structure.”
Founded in 1999, Midwestern Oil and Gas has grown into a key indigenous exploration and production company with assets spanning upstream and midstream operations, including the prolific Umusadege Field, gas processing infrastructure, and collaborative ventures across the Niger Delta. The company remains deeply invested in sustainable resource development, local capacity building, and environmental stewardship.
With Olaniyan’s appointment, the organisation not only breaks a longstanding gender barrier but also positions itself for a future defined by innovation, responsible energy development, and leadership excellence.
A new chapter has begun—both for Midwestern and for the industry it proudly represents.
